Republic of Florence

The Republic of Florence was a medieval Italian city-state that ruled over the city of Florence, Tuscany from 1115 to 1532. The republic was formed in the aftermath of a rebellion against the Margraviate of Tuscany, and a commune was formed in the city of Florence. The city was ruled by a council called the signoria, which was appointed by the gonfaloniere (titular leader of the city), a public official elected every two months by guild leaders. The city was known for its coups and counter-coups, and the House of Medici seized power in 1434. The Medici ruled until Lorenzo de Medici's death in 1494, and it was re-conquered in 1512 after the downfall of the monk Savonarola and his successors. From 1527 to 1531, the Medici were again driven out, but Alessandro de Medici regained power. In 1532, Pope Clement VII elevated Florence to a duchy, creating a hereditary monarchy in the new "Duchy of Florence".